Keywords form a limited vocabulary of words and phrases used to classify archival materials. They are used as finding aid, supporting rapid retrieval of information from the catalogue in a way that is independent of the primary series hierarchy.

In Archive Browser databases, series and items may be classified using any number of keywords, with each associated keyword offering an additional retrieval option.

If keywords have been used, you may browse the keyword list to locate associated materials.

Although keywords are widely used, they are not mandatory. If an archival catalogue does not use keywords, you may find that menu options for browsing by keyword are not available.